It's official: 5-star PF Yohan Traore signs with Auburn
Auburn on Friday released the signing of five-star power forward Yohan Traore.
Traore, who is the On3 Consensus No. 17 overall recruit in the 2022 class, officially becomes the second-highest recruit to ever sign with Auburn. Only Jabari Smith, who was ranked No. 7 overall in the 2021 class, was ranked higher.
Traore is expected to help fill the void of Smith, who entered the NBA draft after just one season at Auburn.
“I chose Auburn because the family atmosphere,” Traore told AuburnLiveOn3 after his commitment. “I love it. It’s amazing.”
Traore’s bonds with coach Bruce Pearl and assistant Wes Flanigan were big factors in his decision.
“The relationships that I have with Bruce Pearl and Coach Wes are really good,” Traore said. “I love them. They explained to me that they are going to coach me to get better as a player on the court and also get better as a person off the court. I loved that.”
Flanigan was the point man in Auburn’s recruitment of Traore.
“Coach Wes was a big factor for me,” Traore said. “He’s so cool. I’ve been talking to him since the beginning of my recruiting process. He’s been really, really pushing for me to come to Auburn.”
Traore will be big help in replacing Smith
The success Auburn had with Smith and others at the 4-position also factored into Traore’s decision.
“It was big for me the way they use the 4-spot and the players that have had success there in that spot,” Traore said. “Guys like J.T. Thor, Jabari this year, Isaac Okoro and Chuma (Okeke). It’s a great opportunity for me to do the same.”
Traore is the third signee in Auburn’s 2022 class, joining four-star point guard Tre Donaldson and four-star combo guard Chance Westry.
Traore, who is listed at 6-foot-10 and 225 pounds, is the No. 2 power forward in the country, according to On3.
